Vaucluse Heritage Tour & Lunch: Strickland and Greycliffe Houses

Join a guided harbourside heritage tour of Vaucluse, stopping at Strickland and Greycliffe houses, followed by lunch at Nielsen Park Café.

Nestled by Sydney Harbour, Strickland and Greycliffe houses offer a glimpse into mid-19th century life in Vaucluse.

Led by an expert guide, this intriguing tour explores historic Strickland House before meandering along the scenic boardwalk to Greycliffe House. Be guided past Milk Beach, Steele Point and on to Nielsen Park, where you can enjoy a picturesque lunch on the harbour foreshore at the newly reopened Nielsen Park Café.

Note: For guests unable to manage the steps from Vaucluse House to Strickland House, alternative access is available via Steele Point Road.

Strickland Estate

With a history spanning over 150 years, Strickland Estate in Vaucluse is a heritage treasure and holds exceptional historical significance for the State of New South Wales. The land was originally owned by William Charles Wentworth, as part of an early land grant, which he later gifted to his daughter.

In 1856 John Hosking, Sydney’s First Lord Mayor, purchased the property and completed construction of what was then known as “Carrara”, a prime example of an early Victorian Italianate-style mansion, designed for a picturesque setting. After being home to leading establishment figures, Strickland House became a women’s convalescent home in the 20th century, then later an aged care facility.

Greycliffe House

Greycliffe is an elaborate and well-preserved residence in the neo-Gothic style of architecture, popular in London at the time. William Wentworth’s son-in-law, John Reeve, commissioned the colony’s leading architect, John Hilly, to design a home. Greycliffe House was completed in 1851 and retains unobstructed views across Sydney Harbour. The Estate was transferred to public ownership in 1911, and was used as a hospital for babies and, later, a Tresillian mothercraft training school and home.

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